Cleaning apparatus

A cleaning apparatus for use with the external surface of a vehicle, the cleaning apparatus comprising at least one barrier layer having a transparent covering portion that at least partially covers the external surface when the apparatus is fitted to the vehicle and when the barrier layer is in a protective position; a displacement means capable of displacing the barrier layer away from the protective position; and a cleaning means arranged to clean at least a portion of the barrier layer when the barrier layer is displaced away from the protective position.